Belinda Bencic made her return to the Stadium Court at Zayed Sports City for a photoshoot on Sunday morning, posing with a trophy she has consistently claimed. With the main draw of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open kicking off today, the Swiss player was all smiles, capturing moments ahead of what promises to be an exhilarating week of competition.
Ranked World No. 10, Bencic seeks to secure her third title at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, having previously triumphed in both 2023 and 2025. Her earlier victory this year against American Ashlyn Krueger highlighted her impressive comeback season following maternity leave, showcasing her reputation as a dynamic force on the WTA Tour.
Demonstrating exceptional skill, resilience, and tactical acumen, Bencic remains undefeated at this tournament, which she has rapidly made her own. Her victory in 2025 was particularly memorable, celebrated on the court with her daughter, Bella, before a cheering crowd at Zayed Sports City.
At 28 years old, Bencic has previously achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4, winning eight WTA singles titles and an Olympic gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Games, where she triumphed over Markéta Vondroušová in a thrilling three-set final. This week, she has a bye for the Round of 32 and is set to make her competitive return on Monday.
Reflecting on her experiences at the tournament, Bencic shared, “The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is a special tournament for me – I’ve had some of my best memories here. The atmosphere is always incredible, and it means so much to return to a place where I’ve felt so much support from the fans. I’m looking forward to another great week of tennis this week.”
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open is organized by MARI in collaboration with Mubadala and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event has rapidly established itself as a highlight of the early WTA Tour season, offering not only world-class tennis but also an emphasis on youth engagement and community involvement.
Scheduled from January 31 to February 7, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open promises a blend of top-tier women’s tennis along with an array of activities aimed at families and local communities. Tickets for the event are currently available through Platinumlist.